Chapter 5 - Uncovering the Truth
Ethan hired Richard Miller, a private investigator known for uncovering the most well-buried corporate and personal secrets, to investigate Rachel's life over the last six years.
Two days after Lily’s arrival, Miller arrived at the penthouse with a thick Manila folder. Ethan met him in the private study while Lily took a nap in her new bedroom.
"Mr. Cole," Miller said, laying the file on the desk. "What I found is troubling. Rachel Bennett didn't cut ties with you by choice six years ago."
Ethan felt his breath catch in his throat. "What do you mean?"
"Six years ago, right after you were recalled to New York to save your family's firm, your late father's executive vice president—Harold Vance—made a series of visits to upstate New York."
Ethan stared at Miller, shock washing over him. "Arthur Vance’s brother?"
"Yes," Miller continued. "Harold Vance approached Miss Bennett. He presented forged documents claiming you were already engaged to a high-society heiress and that her presence would ruin your family's business standing and cause your father's health to deteriorate further. He offered her money to leave. When she refused the money, Harold Vance threatened legal action, telling her that the Cole family would use their power to strip her of any future parental rights if she ever tried to bring a child into the public eye."
Ethan's knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists against the mahogany desk. His own family's loyal executives had systematically terrorized the woman he loved, chasing her into hiding while he was kept completely in the dark.
"She moved from city to city," Miller said softly. "Working small jobs as an illustrator and art teacher to keep out of sight. She never touched the money they tried to give her. She raised Lily on her own earnings. When she was diagnosed with advanced heart failure six months ago, she used her remaining savings to ensure Lily would make it back to New York."
"She kept my daughter safe from the snakes in my own house," Ethan whispered, his voice trembling with a mix of fury and profound sorrow.
"There's one more thing," Miller added. "The DNA test results came back from the lab an hour ago. The director emailed me the preliminary confirmation."
Miller pulled a single sheet of paper from his coat pocket and slid it across the table.
Ethan picked up the paper. His eyes scanned down to the bottom line: Probability of Paternity: 99.99%.
A tear slipped down Ethan's cheek, smudging the black ink of the official seal. The truth was absolute, undisputed, and unshakeable. Lily was his daughter. The realization brought an overwhelming sense of joy, instantly shadowed by a cold, burning demand for justice.
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He had spent six years living in an empty castle, believing the woman he loved had abandoned him, while she was driven into hardship by men he trusted.
"Call a full board meeting for ten o'clock tomorrow morning," Ethan commanded Miller, his tone colder than the New York winter outside. "And make sure Arthur Vance is in attendance."
